[

News for and about Seventh Day Baptists

July-Aug. 1999

Who are Seventh Day Baptists? If you've never read The Sabbath Recorderbefore, you might be wondering who Seventh Day Baptists are.

Like other Baptists, we believe in: • salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. ·the Bible as the inspired word of God. The Bible is

• freedom of thought under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

our authority for our faith and daily conduct. • the congregational form of church government. • baptism of believers, by immersion, witnessing to our Every church member has the right to participate

in the decision·making process of the church. acceptance of Christ as Savior and Lord.

The seventh day God commanded that the seventh day (Saturday) be kept holy. Jesus agreed by keeping it as a day of worship. We observe the seventh

day of the week (Saturday) as God's Holy Day as an act of loving obedience-not as a means of salvation. Salvation is the free gift of God through Jesus Christ. It is the joy of the Sabbath that makes SOBs just a liWe bit different.

If you would like more information, write: The Seventh Day Baptist Center, 3120 Kennedy Road, PO Box 1678, Janesville, WI 53547·1678. Phone (608) 752·5055; FAX (608) 752·7711; E·mail: sdbgen@inwave.comandtheSDBWeb site: www.seventhdaybaptist.org

Fishermen's Net Thanks to the generosity

of Kyle Pratt, member of the Centralia, Wash., SDS Church, John Conrod's "Fishermen's Net" web site is now located at hltp://vvww.seventhdaybaptisl.net

Lead-Line on line! Check out the latest Lead­

Line newsletters (and more) on a web site designed by Joel Osborn of the Electronic Media Committee-

hltp:llwww.inwave.com/ churches/sdbmedia

Crier bye-mail Get your Conference Crier

during Conference via e-mail again this year. If you are a new subscriber, or your ad­dress has changed since last year, contact Dave Taylor at dltaylor@efortress.com

,Available at Conference-

These blue and white SDB logo items will be available only at

Conference. The metal letter openers will stand up to your heaviest mail days; the key chains boast screwdrivers along the edges.

Bring along some extra cash and purchase these, along with logo stickers, pins, and another new feature-embroidered SDB logo golf shirts! Proceeds go to our Sabbath Promotion Committee.

Get 'em while they last!

"Roman Rhapsody," a Bible study written by Jamie Perez, will soon be released. Within the 24 weekly lessons, this 200-page, spiral­bound study guide furnishes the historical, cultural, and religious back­ground of the time Paul wrote the book of Romans.

The self-published book is available from the author at the pre-sale price of $15.95 plus $2.95 S&H (retail price will be $22.95). Jamie is a member of the Columbus, Ohio, SDB Church and has written devotion­als for The Helping Hand.

Send your order to: Jamie Perez PO Box 249 Ostrander OH 43061

For more information: tmgp@worldnet.att.net

July-Aug, 1999 Volume 221, No. 7·8 Whole No. 6,842

Establ.1844

A Seventh Day Baptist publi<;ation

The Sabbath Recorder (ISSN 0036·214X) (USPS 474460) is published monthly (com~ bined July 8. August) by the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference's Tract and Com­munication Council, 3120 Kennedy Road, PO Box 1678, Janesville, WI 53547-1678. This publication is distributed at no cost to members and friends of Seventh Day Baptist churches and is made possible by donations from its readers. Periodicals postage paid at Sun Prai­rie, WI 53590.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Sabbath Recorder, 3120 Kennedy Road, PO Box 1678, Janesville, W153547-1678

Thl' " ., 155. "', ... ,,,,oo,~ II,cA, I The Sabbath Recorder. First issue published, June 13, 1844. Memberofthe Associated Church Press. The Sabbath Recorder does not necessarily endorse signed articles.

Kevin Butler Editor

Leanne Lippincott Assistant Editor

Contributing Editors Calvin P. Babcock, Ernest K. Bee Jr., Donna Bond, Rodney L. Henry, G. Kirk Looper, Norma Rudert, Don A. Sanford.

WRITERS: Please type manuscripts double spaced, Only manuscripts that include a stamped, addressed envelope can be returned. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcomed; however, they will be considered on a space available basis. No remuneration is given for any article that appears in this publication. Paid advertising is not accepted.

[ Features

A ministry or job-why not both? .............................. 4 by Tim Bond

We can be used by God wherever we are in life.

Back to the Bible ...................................................... 1.7 by Stanley F. Fox

How does a church change from worshiping on Sunday to worshiping on Sabbath? The "why" is easier than the "how. "

Witnessing in Mongolia ............................................ 9 by Doug Williams

An SDB from Georgia travels the world in a se(f­supporting witnessing ministry.

Can the dead wibtess for God? ................................ 10 by Clarence "Whitey" White

Early Sabbathkeeping pioneers in Iowa leave a legacy to strengthen our ownfaith.

Marching to a different drummer ...•...•.•.••.•.••••.•.•.... 12 by Dennis L. Palmer

Will a confused teenager succumb to family pressures or hang onto his convictions?

Departments

Women's Society 13 We're moving south!

Pearls from the Past 14 O.s. Mills' call to ministry

SR Almanac 15 Looking back 5, 10, 25 .. years

Christian Education 16 Pre-Con Camps

Focus 17 Forgotten workers

The Beacon 18 Wednesday night RA. w.; Youth in Philippines

President's Page 20

COliference week at a glance

Local news Montrose, C4 Portland, OR

SRReaction

Pastor Profile Michael L. Bums

Family flux Accessions,

marriages, births Obituaries

Kevin's Korner Timing

22

22

23

24 25

27

July-Aug. 1999/ 3

---__________ ~Fealure

A ministry or job-

Many individuals look at career choices as black or white-a ministry or ajob, with no gray in between.

Several years ago, r read a tract which said that God doesn't care what brand of car a person owns. He does care about how the car is acquired and how it's used.

In life, we make good !:hoices and bad choices, as well as some that fall somewhere in the middle. Yet we can be used by God wherever we are in life.

r have worked as a public school teacher, managed the parts depart­ment in a farm implement dealer­ship, and now oversee the GED pro­gram at a Christian drug rehabilita­tion center. With these experiences, plus a little delving into my family's history, I'd like to share some insight into those black, white, and gray ar­eas related to career choices.

Your job can be a ministry First of all, I'm convinced that

with the proper attitude almost any

job can be used as a ministry. (Keep in mind, however, that there are some jobs which as a matter of con­science a Christian should not take.)

After my father's younger brother, Robert Levi Bond, graduated from Salem (W.Va.) College, he took ajob as a teacher in Lumberport, W.Va. Two stories from Robert's one year of teaching have been passed down to this generation, and one event from his subsequent career in the military stands out.

Ministry begins at home In 1919, my grandfather, Charles

A. Bond, moved his family from a farm in Roanoke, W.Va., to Salem so his eight children could have a better opportunity for a college education. Before that family was raised, the Great Depression hit in 1929.

Like many other men, Grampa struggled to feed his family and pay his bills. A local grocer in Salem ex­tended credit to the Bond family, and over the years, Grampa sometimes

4 /The SR -This page sponsored in honor of Prof. and Mrs. J. Leland Skaggs

why not both? by Tim Bond

gained and sometimes lost ground on that account.

While this financial drama was being played out, Uncle Robert ac­quired the college education that his father had made possible, and he got his first teaching job. Money that this last Bond child earned teaching paid off his family's account at the grocery store. Our ministry should begin at home.

Be a witness wherever you are

Robert taught only one year before he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. Here is a job situation which has tried many Chris­tians. One anecdote Dad shared with me about his younger brother show­ed something about Robert's charac­ter. It also illustrates that wherever you are placed, you can still make a difference.

The war was on. Robert and some other sergeants were called in to meet with an officer to receive

--'

orders for upcoming action. At the end of the session, the officer asked the men what they'd like to drink when he proposed a toast. All of the responses but one were for alcoholic beverages. Toward the end of the line, Uncle Robert asked, "Could I have a glass of milk?"

Afterwards, other non-commis­sioned officers came up to Sergeant Bond saying, "If I'd only known you were going to ask for milk, r would have, too."

A man never knows what affect his witness will have. I'd like to think that some of the other young men in

difference in how his life had turned out.

Encouraging words build lives. We can share them regardless of what job we have.

Do we have to talk about this?

And what about the rarely-discuss­ed but definitely important factor that Christians weigh when they con­sider entering "the ministry"? I'm talking about money.

Wher.. many people look at career options such as the pastoral ministry or associated fields, money becomes

I'm convinced that with the proper attitude

almost any job can be used as a ministry.

that room were a little less willing to bend to peer pressure after that.

Your witness can change lives

About 1967, while r was attend­ing Salem College, I got to know my second-cousin once-removed, Leland Bond, who lived in Clarks­burg, W.Va., at the time. He was a salesman for Lederle Laboratories, and he told me of an encounter he had while on the road.

Discovering that Leland's last name was Bond, a man asked him, "Are you related to Robert Bond?" This naturally piqued Leland's inter­est because his brother was Robert Lee Bond. However, the man being referred to turned out to be my uncle, Robert Levi Bond, whom Leland also knew.

The stranger shared with Leland how he'd been on the wrong path in high school, and Mr. Bond had taken the time to talk with him on several occasions. This, the man was con­vinced, had made a major positive

a major factor in the decision-making process. A few years ago, a story came out of one of our Seventh Day Baptist Ministers' Conferences. It goes something like this:

An expert on personal finances came to lecture our pastors on per­sonal thrift and financing retirement. His advice included things such as eating in a restaurant one time less often each week and putting the money saved into a retirement account.

How do you live? This financial expert also offered

to do individual counseling with our clergy as time permitted. In a private

session, one dedicated older pastor presented his financial conditions to the expert. The expert's reaction was that he didn't know how the man lived on what he was making nor how he could save anything toward retire­ment on that income.

This suggests a ministry for lay­men who opt for jobs with emthly financial rewards. They can give so that those involved in a Christian ministry can function with fewer financial worries.

The financially poor pastor knew of the rewards stored up for him in heaven. But, I'm sure, he also knew ofthe rewards of Christian ministry right here on earth.

Successes and failures My current ministry is with the

GED program at a Christian drug rehabilitation center. In this setting, I meet rejection, failure, and success. There are students who just don't want what r have to offer.

Some clients that I think have straightened out their lives die of overdoses shortly after leaving the program. But sometimes our nine­month program becomes the womb in which a new Christian develops and goes into the world as a witness, bringing others both to Christ and the drug rehab.

Now and then my judgmental, human self has to reevaluate based

July-Aug. 1999/ 5

on new data. The success rate of drug rehabs such as ours is probably about 40 percent. It's even lower for those addicts who quit early. Therefore, I frown on quitters.

This "quitter" wrote back A few weeks ago, when a young

man quit after only about two months in our nine-month program, I thought, "He had a chance and blew it." I have a feeling that God thought differently. Here are some excerpts [box, right] from the letter I received only four days after Alfonso (name changed) left our program:

6 /J7zeSR

Mr. Bond, May God's bleSSing be Well, how are you M u:on you.

~elf, I am doing just fin r. and? Fine, I pray. As for m hfe. But I felt th e because I have Chn'st . y-

e need to 't 10 my mUch I loved being yOur st~n e yOU and tell you how

You are ve . '. ent. te h . ry IOSPlrational to , ac er hke you, with So me: and I never had a

;l: :~~~y!~a~e~~~nt~~~~~i~: ~~~~;~~,a~:c~~:~s::~n. way I Could continue a~s. I WIsh there Was so ;ere. But I want you t:~~~~~~s with you While I am ~eut wo months than I' at I learned m .

through God's gr ve learned in my life, and I ~e 10 ~~at

i~ft~e~~~;~;s~ut o~c;O:n:h:e;c~:~~t r~~e~~OeU.gtht ~OeWt~~: I.... J and Use

want God to know h . ;~ grateful for the peo:lea~ mt hfe was changed and I

ov~ the Lord today and I e rought into my life

P~~~:~~r:.o; o~~:~~~d:eI a~y::~~~~~n~r~~~~~d~::i~al ayers .... God h ay now and God bless you. as already blessed me 'with aW~ need YOUr

job ....

Extra paycheck We get paid every other Friday.

I found Alfonso's letter in my box as I left work on a non-paying Friday. However, the next morn­ing at breakfast, I told my wife and daughter that I had received an "extra paycheck" the preceding day, and then I shared the letter with them.

I'm sure the poorly-remunerated pastor referenced earlier also receiv­ed some "extra paychecks" through­out his career, and they bolstered him up just as this letter lifted my spirits.

Thank that special someone There are many things we will

Thank you, Alfonso

never know about the success of our ministries to others until we get to heaven. I'm sure Uncle Robert, who died in the Battle of the Bulge in 1945, did not know the influence he had on his student until he learned it from the Father.

Sometimes we are lucky and find out here on ear-ill, like I did from Alfonso. Why not pick up a pen or the phone and tell someone who has ministered to you how he or she has affected your life. It may be just "the medicine" that individual needs to carryon. ~

Jim Bond is a deacon at the SDB Church oj'Shi/oh, N.J.

____________ ~Fealure

Back to the Bible Could an entire congregation change from Sunday to Sabbath? by Stanley F. Fox

How does a church change from worship­ing on Sunday to worshiping on Sabbath? The "why" is easier to answer than the "how."

The "why" is answered in the fact that God established the Sabbath and never changed it, and conviction of this biblical truth leads to change in obedience to His Word. However, the real struggle comes with the "how" when another tradition has been followed for so long.

When God convicts, He pro­vides the way to change and over­come obstacles. He did this with the Ahtanum Community Church in Yakima, Wash.

January 1997 was a turning point for the church. At the beginning of the year, I felt led to preach a series of Sunday morning mes­sages on the subjects of Evangelism, Commitment, and the Biblical Sabbath.

To my surprise, the last message provoked enough interest that a Bible study was requested. Since I had personally been convicted of the Sabbath some years ago, I thanked God for this opportunity to take a stand for this biblical truth.

Washington State

Spokane . . .

• Yakima

The vote would need to be 100 percentin the

affirmative of those present for the change to

take place.

The in-depth Bible study certainly challenged all of us. It eventually brought us to a valley of decision. After a series of lengthy Bible studies on Sunday mornings, the church Board recommended that the matter be brought before the members-to actually vote on returning to the biblical Sabbath .

It was agreed that the vote would come before the church at the July business meeting in order to allow sufficient time to pray about it. The proposal was also printed in the church bulletin every week so all would be informed of the upcoming vote. The pastor or other qualified person was available for one-on-one discussion on the subject. No stone was to be left unturned in mak­ing sure that this important issue was understood.

There was a concern about such a delicate issue split-

This page sponsored by a faithful member of the Nortonville, Kan., church- Ju/y-Aug.1999/ 7

1

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ting the church. Therefore, the Board recommended that the vote would need to be 100 percent in the affirmative of those present for the change to take place. One had to be present to vote unless sickness did not permit.

As the time drew nearer, I saw some supporters begin to waver and question it. Even though I remained un­moved in my Sabbath conviction, I also began to question the wisdom in letting the issue reach this stage. Know­ing that just one vote could cancel out the whole matter, I went to that business meeting with butterflies in my

9l9ron CJJenomlnallonal Church

Cfbe 9lhlanum Communily Church is an independenf church fhaf observes fhe

71h 9)ay uabbalh. CWe are nol a pari of any denominalion. 8uslone of the many Chrislian churches,

serving our fJord CUJe 'tielleDe 9n: Cfbe inspiralion of the ucriplures Cfbe triune Qod rrrinily) Cfhe CVirgin birlh Cfbe vicarious alonemenf

Cfhe bodily resurreclion of Chrisl Cfbe oisible relum 0/ Chrisl Cfhe resurreclion and raplure upon 9iis relum Cfbe judgment 91 conscious existence after death

(9ieaoen or 9ie/~ ualoalion by grace Ihrough foilh wifh a

changed life following. Cfbe seoenlh day as Ihe uabbafh sef domn

in Ihe UCriplures.

Church Ordinance,,: 93apfism (by immersion) and fbe .8ord's uupper.

Church QODernmenl: Congregafional mith a church board for adoisory purposes only.

Church Qoal,,: CWorship. edify. eoangelize.

8 /TheSR

stomach and wondering what effect a negative vote would have on my ministry at this church. In my opinion, things didn't look promising.

God is able. For various reasons, some of our people could not be at the business meeting. At least in part, I think it was that some did not want the responsibility in making such a decision. Regardless, the vote was 100 percent in the affirmative of those present. We decided that the church would have its first Sabbath service the second week of August.

My relief was short-lived as I began to wonder about those not present at the meeting. Again, this proved to be a useless worry because they stood behind the decision of the church.

I was also concerned about a few of our elderly mem­bers. Surely it would be difficult for them to make such

Knowing that just one vote could cancel

out the whole matter, I went to that

business meeting with butterflies in my

stomach.

a change. I was delighted when I saw them walk through the door on a Sabbath morning. I'm not too sure that they were in agreement, but this was their church, and they would come regardless of the day. I thank God for these precious saints!

I wrote letters to the churches in the community and other religious organizations that we had any connection with, informing them of the change. I wanted to dispel any rumors before they started. Although an oddity to some, the change has been accepted well.

Although we remain small, there is a new spirit in the church along with an increase in visitors. Some are inter­ested and even convicted of the Sabbath, but find it hard to change from Sunday to Sabbath. I have found many who remain "in the closet." Changes are indeed difficult but can and should be made with the help of God.

The Ahtanum Community Church follows in the legacy of those 17th century Sabbath observers in England who also became convinced from the grand old book-the Holy Bible. ~

Stanley Fox IS pastor qf the Ahtanum Community Church in Yakima, Wasl1.

Feature

Witnessing in Mongolia by Doug Williams

While in Korea in 1997, I learned about the need for English teachers in Mongolia. After prayer and ear­nestly seeking the Lord, I decided to go there.

In February 1998, I left my home in the United States. Arriving in Asia, I stopped in China to visit Tienamin Square where hundreds of peaceful demonstrators were massacred in 1989. Then I took a pleasant 30-hour train ride to Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia.

In Ulan Bator, I taught English to children and adults. It was hard for the school's director to under­stand why I refused to teach on Fri­day night or Saturday to honor the Sabbath, but with God's strength, I stood firm.

I flew to Western Mongolia in August and lived in a "ger" (glorified tent) for two and a half weeks. Volun­teering, I did some teaching for the local Red Cross and for teachers at the agricultural college. I also taught in Darkhan, which is near the Sibe­rian border.

The temperature sometimes got as low as -30QF. Since I'm from South Georgia, I was not used to such extreme weather, but the Lord graciously preserved my health.

My return from Western Mongolia was by jeep rather than plane. It was more interesting than a roller coaster ride! There were no seat belts so my head hit the ceiling a few times as the jeep ran over bumps. Periodically, the driver honked his horn at wild horses and camels as they roamed the desert.

Three passengers liked to puff on cigarettes and blowout poisonous nicotine. If people desire to commit "suicide by installment" that way, they have the right, but I didn't want to join them, so I opened the jeep window.

They informed me that dust was

coming in through the window. I replied that dust was healthier than cigarette smoke. After ask­ing God's guidance, I decided to open the window to inhale deeply when needed and ex­hale slowly. We made the trip in peace, praise God.

Thieves over there are intel­ligent and resourceful. It hurt to lose a cheap camera with un­developed film valuable to me, but of no value to them. Since doctors and other professionals make only about $50 a month, thieves zero in on foreigners. I had to be careful, and I thank God that nothing of any high value was taken.

When in Mongolia and Korea, I enjoyed good Sabbath fellowship with Seventh-day Adventists, though I disagree with them on certain doc­trines. On the first day of the week, I enjoyed attending a Pentecostal church with their abundant praise, prayer, and singing. It did my heart good to see people go forward for prayer and salvation.

While attending church on Good Friday, I saw a young girl who was deaf and had a stiff leg. The Holy Spirit led me to bless her with a little money ($1.20). She brightened up with an ear-to-ear smile and was so appreciative. I ended up visiting the apartment where she lives with her 31-year-old sister, who looks much older.

The young girl has muscular at­rophy, which makes her body stiff. When I learned that she had no wheelchair, I assured her I'd try to get her one when I was in Korea. That I did and had it sent. We had prayer with her in her home and cried out for God's healing. It look­ed hopeless, but of course nothing is impossible with God. Hallelujah!

Seeing that handicapped girl re­minded me of a crippled boy in Cebu,

Philippines, when I visited in 1980. The local SDB pastor assured me that nothing could be done to help the boy and that he would have to con­tinue to hop around like a monkey.

Rod Henry, an SDB missionary there at the time, took the child to a surgeon and tremendous results hap­pened as the Lord worked through Rod, the surgeon, and me to bring healing. I am hopeful that something similar will happen to that young lady in Mongolia. Pray with me for her healing through the power of Jesus Christ.

I am thankful for the many pray­ers sent on my behalf, and I know things went as well as they did be­cause ofthose prayers. The Lord's protection and grace was and is great. As He leads, I may return this year. ~

Doug Wi/Iiams is a member of the Atlanta, Ga., SDB ClllIrcl1. He has spent much qf IllS adult life overseas in a se!fsupportin9 wit­nessing milllstry. ThiS has lileluded Israel, where Doug said he leamed the meaning of Psalms 27 and 91 when Saddam Hussein sellt 39 rockets into Israel iii the years lie was/here.

This page sponsored in honor of Francis E. Campbell- July-Au,q. 1999/ 9

I I

I

________________ ~Fealure

I travel around the country and love looking for historic sites.

I find a lot of history in cemeteries, just like the one in southwest Illinois where I found Abraham Lincoln's uncle's grave. In that same cemetery, I found my own name on a tomb­stone. (The man died the same year I was born. That sure gave me an odd feeling!)

While traveling in eastern Iowa, I came across a little town named Welton and spotted this old church that is now an antique shop. As I talked to the owner about its history, he told me a story that touched my heart.

The initial building was a Seventh Day Baptist church, originally located on Seven Day Hill. Since I'm an SDB, I had an extra interest in going to the cemetery to see what history I could find.

First off, I located a monument inscribed, "18SS-Welton Seventh Day Baptist Church-1946. Here maintained these grounds, built their church, and worshiped the God who gave the Sabbath to the world."

In this day of compromise, peo­ple sometimes put a gUilt trip on me and my denomination for not com­promising with the majority and keeping Sunday as the Sabbath Day.

As I read history, I realize most Christians have kept Sunday in America for more than three centu­ries. And yet this group of Baptists

Can the dead witness for God? by Clarence "Whitey" White

has stood firm on the biblical Sab­bath-the seventh day on our calen­dars, which is also the seventh day of the Bible that the Lord blessed.

Walking through the cemetery in Welton, I could see several Seventh Day Baptist family names on the tombstones, like Babcocks and Hur­leys. Some of the tombstones were engraved, "Asleep in Jesus." As I took pictures, I could envision John 5:28, when Jesus said, "All that are in the graves will hear His voice."

Even Paul, in 1 Thessalonians says, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sor­row not. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."

Yes, these pioneers of the Welton church will see that their works do follow them.

After locating this cemetery in Welton, I quickly contacted the SDB Center in Janes­ville, Wis., to find out what other history they might have of these early settlers.

The first white set­tlers whose names we know were Elias and Washington Wright. They came prior to 1840 from New York State and settled about one-fourth of a mile west of the present-day Welton, where the SDB

established in 1838 and became a state in 1846.

After this present group was estab­lished, a second exodus of folks from Ohio and Illinois settled around Wel­ton. One history book says, "This excited the interest of the folks who these strangers were."

They noticed that these newcom­ers dressed in their best on Saturday mornings and gathered together for worship. The town folks of Welton also noticed that these people were busy on Sundays. The men worked in the fields, and the women washed and hung out the wash. The question the townspeople asked was, "What kind of people are these?"

Yes, they were a "peculiar" peo­ple who took only the Bible for their beliefs. They let others know that "the Sunday Sabbath" was of Roman origin, and they soon realized that Seventh Day Baptists were people

cemetery is located. The monument commemorating the SDB church in Welton, This Iowa territory was Iowa.

10 /The SR -This page sponsored in memory of Rev. and Mrs. Alva L. Davis

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who stood firm in their faith, on the authenticity and authority of the Bible.

As part of the Separatist move­ment in England, Seventh Day Bap­tists based their faith on the reveal­ed will of God. With the Bible more readily available to the "common" people, they rejected the authority of a state church, whether it be from a Pope or the royal head of the Church of England. They believed that if it was important for God to put the seventh day Sabbath in the Ten Commandments, and for Jesus to say that the Sabbath was for all mankind, they believed it should be followed by all Christians.

The Seventh Day Baptist Church in Welton started out with 21 con­stituent members. They worked hard, and by the end of the Civil War, they had 175 members. They agreed to this covenant:

The Welton church bUIlding now houses an antique shop.

1st We hold, that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God and are all sufficient

5th We hold, that American sla­very is base violation of the law of God. Therefore we disclaim all fel­lowship with slave holders and their abettors.

6th We hold, that the government of the Church of Christ is a gospel "rite" administered in his name by

The Welton church started out with 21 constituents. By the end of

the Civil War, they had 175 members.

for the well ordering of the Christian Church both in doctrines and disci­pline.

2nd We hold, that the practice of Sabbatizing on the first day of the week is of Romish origin, and is a practical violation of the Fourth Commandment of the Decalogue. Therefore we Sabbatize on the Sev­enthDay.

3rd We hold, that immersion of believers in water is Christian Bap­tism. Therefore we practice no other form.

4th We hold, that the use of in­toxicating liquors as a beverage is the highway to drunkenness and ruin. Therefore we have no fellow­ship with those who use it as such.

a majority vote of the members not under "sensure" and to them belongs the appointment of all of the same.

7th We hold, that the officers of the church are Elders, Deacons, Clerks, and Moderator.

These early Seventh Day Baptists took the Bible seriously. One of the tenets of the Church was that slavery was a violation of the rights of man and the laws of God. Twenty-two members ofthe Welton church backed up this belief by serving in the Union army. Four of these were killed, while three were wounded and maimed for life.

The Welton folks strongly believ­ed that intoxicating beverages were

a "highway to drunkenness" and vice, and that all liquor laws should be enforced. The church frequently had bootleggers arrested for illegal sales, but convictions were few.

This anti-liquor belief was exem­plified by the story of 11 father whose son was near death after being bitten by a rattlesnake. When informed that whiskey was the only thing that could save his son, the father replied, "Bet­ter the boy should die than learn the taste of whiskey." I never did find out what happened to the boy.

There were 1\"0 Elders in the WeI· ton church in 1855, Lewis A. Davis and John Davis. John felt that the field was too small for both of them. At a meeting on FebnHlry 9, 1855, John was relieved of his duty and given the privilege of reclaiming his standing in the Farmington, Iowa, SDBChurch.

Some history books state that dur­ing the winter of 1856-57, religious interest in the area began to decline, and many became dissatisfied with the bitter winters in Iowa. Some wished to return East, and others wanted to head westward to Kansas and Nebraska. And why some wanted to head to Minnesota is a wonder!

The Welton church group voted to ask the SDB Missionary Society

COllt. all page 26

July-Aug.1999/ 11

Growing up with a different reli­gious orientation in a predominately Protestant, Sunday-keeping environ­ment can be challenging. The whole process becomes a double challenge if you are a teenager and don't have the support of your family or peers.

About 25 years ago, I faced this awful predicament. I was never so confused in my life. Would I actually stand up for my beliefs and become a part of the religious minority?

Under conviction For a farm boy like me, Saturday

was a full workday, from sunup to sundown. I had a typical Christian upbringing, but it bothered me that the Bible said that the seventh day­Saturday-was the day set aside for worship and rest (Exodus 20:8-11),

and our family went to church on Sunday.

After completing a Bible study on the subject and looking deeply into the recesses of my own soul, I de­cided that I must keep the seventh day Sabbath. However, I faced some profound resistance in doing that.

Family, peer pressure First, some resistance carne from

my own family, who thought I should work on Saturday like everyone else. Instead, I agreed that I would work

Marching to a different drummer

Standing up for my beliefs

on Sunday to make up for lost work on Saturday.

Another source of resistance carne from peer pressure to play football on Friday night. Since sunset on Friday marked the beginning of the Sabbath, I would have to give up football to keep the Sabbath. Add­ed to that peer pressure was the de-

by Dennis L. Palmer

my absence on Sabbath, he gave me an ultimatum. Either I would have to march on Saturday or quit the band.

By now things were heating up over my Sabbath convictions, and both my parents and my grand­mother insisted that I should be marching in the band. I still remem­ber going to bed that evening with

Would I please my grandmother, my parents, and my band instructor,

or would I hang onto my convictions?

sire to letter in football during my junior year (I lettered in that sport during my freshman and sopho­more years).

I had to make a choice. The ques­tion was not over winning or losing a game, but over winning or losing the battle to have a clear conscience. Before the game, I handed my foot­ball uniform to the coach.

March, or else The primary resistance carne from

my band instructor, who tenaciously clung to his opinion that I should march in L,e band on Saturday. Al­though I wanted to play in the band, and hoped he would excuse me for

two sets of clothes nearby. One was my band uniform, and the other was my Sabbath clothes.

What would I wear tomorrow? Would I please my grandmother, my parents, and my band instructor, or would I hang onto my convictions and keep the Sabbath?

Day of reckoning Saturday morning arrived, and

without a word, I slipped on my Sab­bath clothes. The issue was settled. From that point on, people knew where I stood on the Sabbath issue, and they stopped restricting my indi­vidual liberties. We had arrived at a mutual understanding. ~

12 /The SR -This page sponsored by a faithful couple in the Riverside, Calif., church

Iii

Women's Society page by Donna Bond

We're moving south!

Praise the Lord! After two years of formal and informal inquiries among "our women," the Daytona Beach, Fla., ladies have agreed to lead SDB women into the new millennium!

The SDB Women's Society Board of Directors, located in South Jersey since 1990, will officially pass the torch to their successors at Confer­ence 2000. (It is interesting to note that four "Daytona-ites" were present when the Shiloh Ladies Benevolent Society voted in 1988 to accept the same responsibility.)

"Be Ve Holy"-Conference Plans Conference President Norma

Rudert challenges us to seek holi­ness as plans are made for women at Conference 1999. The Confer­ence Committee on Women's Interests will be chaired by Lorna Graffius who brings experience to the Committee and serves as a role model for holiness (having received the Robe of Achievement in 1998).

The Women's Banquet on Wednesday evening will feature Patti Wethington as keynote speak­er. Patti, I'm told, has a "stirring testimony" and will be assisted by youth from the White Cloud, Mich., Teen Center.

Don't forget to bring/send your crafts for the annual Craft Sale. Proceeds from this sale have rang­ed from $300 to $1,200 since 1988 and have played a significant role in funding the Summer Christian Ser­vice Corps.

If you have enjoyed reading news of other women's societies on this page, please bring 50 copies oflocal Highlights from your own Ladies' Aid. Remember: we can't print news we don't have!

Also remember to bring a gener­ous donation to the annual Love

The Women's Society Board of Directors will officially pass the torch to their

successors at Conference 2000.

Gift, which is allocated by the Inter­est Committee. You may also wish to recommend recipients for the Love Gift.

Our Holy Sisterhood-North American Baptist Women's Union

President Ruth Probasco repre­sented SDB women at the NABWU Executive Board meeting in Bismarck, N.D., April 7-11, 1999. Ruth expressed that this fellowship is a good way for Seventh Day Bap­tists to become known to other Baptist sisters.

Workshops there stressed spiri­tual leadership for women and ways to involve younger women in leader­ship roles. Patsy Davis, Director of the Baptist World Alliance Wom­en's Department, promoted the Women's Leadership Confer­ence to be held in Melbourne, Aus­tralia, in January 2000. (A colorful banner is already in the works for our BWA representative to carry.)

The 40 women in attendance at NABWU were greeted by the host

state's first lady, Nancy Schafer, as they toured the North Dakota Heri­tage Center and the North Dakota Capitol Building.

Ruth also contributed an article about SDB women's activities to the NABWU semi-annual publication, The Tie that iJril{l.,. (Keyworkers: don't "file" the spring issue without reading and sharing page 5 with your constituents!)

Summer Christian Service Corps As you read this page and prepare

for Conference, 25 college-age SDI3s are assisting 12 churches across the country with their summer programs.

Plan now to speak with some of these young people about their experiences. Pray that they will pro­mote holiness among our childien and teenagers and that God will show them how they can further develop the new skills they are learning. Pray, too, for those whose Jives are impart­ed by the sese program. ~

This page sponsored by a faithful couple in the Boulder, Colo., church- '/1I1y-AlIg.1999/ 13

Pearls from the Past by Don A. Sanford, historian

The Holiness of a Call to Ministry

When A.H. Lewis was editor of The Sabbath Recorder, he invited a number of ministers to share their testimonies concerning influences which led them into the ministry.

The first question asked was, "Do you think that you inherited from your parents, or other ancestors, a definite tendency to enter the minis­try?" Other questions dealt with the influence of their church, or specific individuals; preparations taken for ministry; and "other items that will throw light on the causes and influ­ences that have brought you into the place you now occupy."

For several months, three or more ministers' responses were printed in each weekly Recorder.

In the December 31,1906 issue, Rev. O.S. Mills, the grandfather of this year's president of General Con­ference, Norma Rudert, responded:

Rev. 0.8. Mills

No, I never have supposed that I have inherited a tendency to the ministry. My nearest ancestor in the ministry was a great uncle. My brother, Nathan, followed me, after nine years. The giving of myself to the Gospel ministry was the result of God's dealing with me.

evening we were as David and Jonathan.

We were members of the Dodge Center [Minn.] Church of which Rev. G.M. Cottrell was then pastor. After some time I talked with him of my conviction and received much en­couragement. I also told my parents

"I knew I was very incompetent and could not see how I was to acquire

the knowledge I believed every man should have before attempting to preach the Gospel."

-Rev. O.S. Mills

The thought came to me as a pos­sible duty, soon after my conversion in my 15th year. The thought made me unhappy and so, from time to time, I put it away, as I had the pub­lic acknowledgment of Jesus as my Savior.

About the time I became of age, this question of the ministry came up so frequently and with such force that I was in deep trouble. Just why I rebelled so fiercely I have never been able to see. But I knew I was very incompetent and could not see how I was to acquire the knowledge I believed every man should have before attempting to preach the Gospel.

I had no means and my peo-ple were poor. I told no one of my trouble, until one evening Brother Eugene Ellis (of blessed memory), for whom I was working, discovered me in the barn praying and weeping. He insisted on knowing the cause of my trouble. He was so kind and sym­pathizing that I told him, and when he prayed with me and urged me to trust the Lord, I felt better. From that

and received their blessing. Many of my friends also urged me forward.

At 23 years of age, and with only about $175, I entered Milton [Wis.] College. After five terms, I went to Alfred [N.Y.] University because our Theological Seminary was there.

About this time I was licens-ed to preach by the Dodge Center church. I soon transferred my mem­bership to the First Alfred church and was there ordained soon after receiving my B.D. from the univer­sity. I had been given the degree Ph.B. two years before.

Since that time, my study has been limited chiefly to the Bible and the problems pertaining to the welfare of our missionary churches. The stron­gest influence on my life has been the consciousness of God's goodness and power, and my greatest weakness the lack of implicit trust in God, and of a willingness to seek the counsel of my friends. The Dodge Center church is, I trust, in a fairly good condition, spiritually, and we hope will furnish her sixth candidate for the ministry in the near future. ~

14 /The SR This page sponsored by Norma Rudert

~~~~~~c

One year ago-July/Aug. 1998 Cover feature asks, "What to do with Buck?" Many

readers wonder the same thing. Feature highlights the George Barna seminar, "Nine

Habits of Highly Effective Churches." Pastor Ed Sutton recalls his dog" Appi" having a run­

in with a skunk at Camp Joy. Nadine Lawton asks, "Can the Old Testament relate

to today?" Riverside, Calif., church lists recent activities and

ministries. Colorado Springs fellowship honors faithful servant

Doris Barber.

Five years ago-July/Aug. 1994 Features look at new building projects at Shiloh, N.J.;

Boulder, Colo.; and Milton, Wis. Daryl White reflects on the Natural Evangelism Train­

ing team's teaching experience in Jamaica. Hendersonville, N.C., church pays tribute to recently

deceased pastor John Thompson. West Palm Beach, Fla., church active in community

improvement. Paint Rock, Ala., and Tupelo, Miss., churches hold first

joint gathering.

10 years ago-July/Aug. 1989 The topic of education is discussed by RuthAnne Peil

(Christian schools), Jim Skaggs and Lannette Calhoun (Christians in public schools), and Jane Mackintosr (home schooling).

Dr. Wayne Rood's inaugural address for the Rex Zwiebel Lecture on Christian Education is printed. The address was given in Alfred Station, N.Y.

Board of Christian Education presents Resolution of Appreciation to E. Donald Van Horn for his many years of service to the Board, and his donation of the Board office facility, now named the Van Horn Building.

Page highlights the life and recent passing of Rev. Francis Saunders.

from the pages of The Sabbath Recorder

25 years ago-July/Aug. 1974 Doug and Jane Mackintosh now serving as missionar­

ies to Jamaica. General Conference to be held at Salem (W.Va.) Col­

lege. Several tours of SDB interest are listed. Pastor Elmo Fitz Randolph hosts the "Creative Camp­

ing Project" at Camp Paul Hummel in Boulder. Thirty SDBs from across the country come to enrich their camping programs back home.

Alton Wheeler continues his Ambassadorial Mission with a visit to SDB churches in South Africa.

Battle Creek, Mich., church involved in "Project Philip," a Scripture distribution and Bible correspon­dence school program.

50 years ago-July/Aug. 1949 General Conference held in Riverside, Calif., with

Loyal Hurley presiding. Pastor Ralph Coon of the Richburg and Friendship,

N.Y., churches uses a telescope and stargazing to point to God.

K Duane Hurley promotes Pre-Con at Pacific Pines Camp.

Planning to re-enter the pastorate, the Rev. Victor Skaggs presents his resignation as corresponding secre­tary of the Tract Society.

Pastor Kenneth Stickney ordained in Piscataway, N.J.

... where are we headed?

Pray for-.highly effective church ministries ·Summer Christian Service Corps .Christians involved in education ·the Maiden Hall project in Jamaica ·churches with building projects ·our Conference President and Host Committee .our summer camping programs

This page sponsored by Evaleen K. Bond- JU/,IJ-AU,q.1999/ 15

--.,---.~-.-.-~- ....... -"------....... --------.~. ._ ... _ .. -----'--",.....:._. _ .. _.' ~ ...

Christian Education by Ernest K. Bee Jr . .. ~ TEACHING jIIJJJ ____ IlIIIIIIIIIiI _________ IllllllllllIIIIIiIlIIIIII_IIIIIIIII _

____ ~THEWORD~---------------------------------------------

PRE -CON CA/vIPERS 1999 Youth Pre-Con Camp

Dates: july 28, 4:00 p.m. - August 1, 1 :00 p.m. Campers: Ages 75-78 (or completed grade 9) Location: Camp Manitou, 15787 McKenzie Road, Cassopolis, Michigan Theme: Dare to Be Different Director: Pastor Andrew Samuels, Miami, Florida Staff: Pastor Larry Graffius, Marlboro, New jersey

john Pethel, Salem, West Virginia Christina Thorngate, Boulder, Colorado Pastor David Thorngate, Boulder, Colorado

Fee: $80.00 (Medical Form required)

1999 Young Adult Pre-Con Camp

Dates: july 28, 4:00 p.m. - August " 1 :00 p.m. Campers: Ages 18-29 (or in SCSC) Location: Hope College, HoI/and, Michigan Theme: Let's Rock the House!! Director: Staff:

Fee:

Pastor Scott Hausrath, Montrose, California Pastor Eric Davis, Riverside, California Anna Santiago

$130.00

16 /The SR -This page sponsored on behalf of the Alfred, N.Y., church

'_ '. n.. '

FOCUS Forgotten on Missions workers by Kirk Looper

"Tragedy struck the Gold Coast (Ghana), West Africa, mission in the death of Peter H. Velthuysen in 1902, less than three months after his arrival on the field as missionary and teacher. Born in Haarlem, Hol­land, son of Elder Gerard Vel­thuysen, the early Dutch leader, he had prepared for service at the Alfred [N.Y.] Theological Seminary. His untimely death was widely felt across the de­nomination, and memorial ser­vices were held at Alfred and at the anniversary of the Mission­ary Society held in connection with the next General Confer­ence" (from Seventh Day Bap­lists in Europe and America, Vol 3, p. 8).

ease, beasts, and pagans. It would be a far cry from the life of relative ease experienced by missionary workers in the United States and Holland.

How long did it take for Peter to come to this decision? Actually, not long.

Peter's training was not "skimpy." In fact, he had a life­long preparation as a pastor's son. As noted above, his father was Rev. Gerard Velthuysen, missionary pastor of the Ha­adem church and its branch in Anlsterdam. He was nurtured in the love and dedication for Jesus Christ, which resulted in his willingness to sacrifice all for the work of God's Kingdom.

A tragedy? Yes. But a worse tragedy is the fact that this man, as well as several other SDB men and women, gave their lives in the service of God and His Son, and nobody re­members them. Since they were "on the field," we cannot easily relate to their ministries or the

Peter was in the United States to present his father's report to the Missionary Board when he volunteered for the mission on the Gold Coast. After he discussed the mission with the Board, he returned to Holland to bid his parents and friends good-bye. Peter VeltllUysen

After spending a short time at home, he boarded a ship for the Gold Coast and started a trip which lasted weeks. Severe seasickness and the hot equatorial climate left him weak and exhausted. On Octo­ber 20, 1902, he died of tropical fever. His ministry had not even begun.

effect they had upon the work being done at the time. How tragic!

Today, our young people look everywhere for heroes and examples to follow. And we are missing a great chance to share with them the dedication and sacrifices that so many gave for the work of Seventh Day Baptists worldwide.

Peter Velthuysen was a young man. He had not been out of seminary very long before he volunteered for the work on the Gold Coast. He had probably heard of the life-threatening environment that existed in the African countries, and no doubt spent hours praying over his de­cision and how it corresponded with God's perfect will.

Going to Africa would mean that Peter would be away from his family, friends, and home ministries for a long time. He would be in a hostile territory rampant with dis-

However, many years later, in 1993, a young man who was looking for a church saw a reference to Peter Velthuysen and Seventh Day Baptists, and contacted our denomination. This in turn gave birth to the church which exists today in Accra, Ghana-a congregation that is full of faith and has a strong desire to do God's will. This church has become the living legacy of an all-but­forgotten missionary.

Are our children knowledgeable about Peter and other Christian heroes? We should make every effort to ensure that they are! ~

This page sponsored by Rev. Leon and Dorothy Lawton- Ju/y-Aug.1999/ 17

the BEACON Produced by the Youth Committee of the Board of Christian Education For and by members of the SDB YOllth Fellowship July-Aug. 1999

Wednesday night R.A.Wa

When it comes to pride in a small town's youth group, my enthusiasm is tough to beat. Every Wednesday night at half past six, 20-50 teenagers gather and worship at the Milton (Wis.) Seventh Day Baptist Church. We aren't all SDBs, or even all Bap­tists. We're a mixed collection-from those who have been Christians for as long as they can remember, to people who couldn't care less about spending eternity with God. But we love them all.

Here is how it goes: On Wednes­day nights, we have R.A.W., which stands for "Reality At Work." Dur­ing R.A.W., we worship with a big 01' group a-singin' and a-praisin'-which doesn't do much for the warm fuzzy feeling we all know and love. To get to know each other better and have that warm fuzzy feeling, we break

Erik Henry shadng Cod's Word.

by Aubrey Appel

into smaller cell groups after R.A.W. On Thursday nights, Erik Henry leads our Bible study so we can ex­pand our brains with "the good stuff."

Erik is our fearless leader, and Angie Neher and Nick Kersten try to control our ceIl groups (but you know how it is when a bunch of Jesus-crazy teenagers get together!), and they do a fan-tas-ticjob.

We have three cell groups which are very competitive. We have totally awesome names like "J. Crew Gunior high); "LQ." (Janesville kids); and my personal favorite, "F AHPin' Fish" (Milton kids).

F AHPin' comes from one of Erik's first messages during R.A.W. and stands for Faith, Atonement, Humil­ity, and Praise. Our cell groups do cool stuff like make silly videos, have

"Reality At Work" at the Milton SDD Church.

18 /The SR This page sponsored by a faithful couple in the Milton church

cookouts, pray for each other, make T-shirts, or just talk about stuff that is important to us.

Once a month, on Wednesday, we have a great big party with most of the other youth groups in our area, and it's a blast. All the different youth groups contribute their part to the night. We get to meet all these Christians we didn't even know be­fore. And what's the best part? We are one big family in Jesus! Pa-raise the Lord!! We get to know each other and worship together and eat a lot of food.

I pray God continues to bless our ministry and bring people closer to Him and each other. Oh yeah, before I forget: When is God good? Aw yeah, now that's what I am talking about.

Thanks for reading, everybody, and thank you especially, Father.

------------------I~ Youth

~ Update God's Word spreads in Philippines

Dear Sister Aubrey Appel, Holy and sincere greetings in the

name of our Heavenly Father. Thank you for featuring my report

in The Beacon last February. Over the past months, the Cebu

City, Philippines, SDB youth group has been involved in some church activities and in making plans for the months to come. For the good of ev­erybody, we have elected a new set of officers so that somebody can take charge of the different activities un­dertaken by the young people, with the help of other youth.

Our brothers and sisters here in

Above: Squeezing together fo/·aDible study in Anda, Bo/wl

Left: Pastor Zafra opening the Wordof Cod.

Cebu City encourage all the young people to participate in any activity for their spiritual growth, and to ex­perience the abundant life that Jesus promised and feel the joy of serving.

One of these activities is a plan to hold another camp meeting this com­ing October. But we can't move along the way due to the lack of financial support. I'm very thankful to the SD B church in Sydney, Australia, headed by Pastor Kube, for sending us mon­etary support. Please remember these needs in your prayers.

On May 3, some of our young

We encourage all the young people to partici­pate in any activity for their spiritual growth,

and to experience the abundant life that

Jesus promised.

Levi Zafra, went to Anda, Bohol, to hold a Bible study and spread the Word of God. And we were happy that the people were very receptive to His Word.

Through God's grace, Pastor Zafra was able to baptize three souls in Anda, and another five souls in Cebu City. In the month of May, 18 were added to the Cebu City SDB Church.

My prayers are with you. May God keep you all in His loving care always.

Yours in Him, Angela Catayen

Cebu City, Philippines

people, headed by our youth pastor, Pastor Zafra baptized three new believers.

July-Aug. 1999/ 19

Time Monday

6:30am

7:00am

8:30 am

9:30 am Business Session

!0:00am General Council

10:30 am Executive Secretary

Interest Committees

11:30 am Pastors' !Vives

12:30 pm

1:00pm

Interest 1:30pm Committees

2:00pm

4:00pm

5:00pm

7:00pm Youth Pre-Con

7:30pm

8:30pm

9:00pm

12:00 am

20 /TheSR

The President's Page

Conference week at a glance by Norma Rudert

Here's the lineup, folks. Please be in prayer for all of these activities, planned to encourage us to "Be holy in everything we do."

General Conference 1999 - "Be Ye Holy"

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sabbath

MORNING PRAYER IN TIlE DORMITORIES

BREAKFAST 7:00-8:30 Breakfast

BIBLE STUDY AND CHILDREN'S CONFERENCES- 8:3()"'9:20 7:3()"'9:oo

Sabbath Schools--Council on Ministry Memorial Board Missionary Society Historical Society 9:15--10:15

Break -------------Board of c.E. Tract Council ~ ~ --- -----Business 10:15

Business

Interest Committees Business Sabbath Worship Service- 10:30

LUNCH-11:3()"'1:00 !Vomen's Business sese Evaluation Pastors'llInch Past Presidents

Youth and Young Adult Bible Studies-12:30 Sabbath

Interest Dinner-

Seminars Business Committees sese 12:00 Noon

------------- -or-Break ------------- Organ Prog.- 2:00

Business Seminars Free

Seminars Time Children's Program- 2:30

CHOIR PRACTICE- 4:o()"'S:OO Awards-3:30

DINNER- S:O()...6:30 Supper- 5:30

- - - - - -Interest ------1 Women's Banquet I Youth Banquet I Comm.6:30

I Young Adult Men's Sing Sabbath Final Session- 7:00 Eve New President's

EVENING WORSHIP-7:3()"'9:00 Worship Address

and Communion

1 Prayer/Healing 1 Fellowship

FELWWSHIP AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES Stained Glass--8:45

MIDNIGHT CURFEW

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~n~rence Make final plans for Conference! From the Conference Host Committee

It's not too late for final arrangements to attend General Conference at Hope College in Holland, Mich., August 1-7, 1999. (See the May SRfor registration and housing information.)

Arrive early and worship with us The college campus will provide a perfect setting for our meetings, and Michigan and Holland are beautiful in the

summer! If you can plan your arrival for Sabbath, July 31, both Michigan churches invite you to worship with them. White Cloud is about 90 miles northeast of Holland, and Battle Creek is about 60 miles southeast.

If you're driving If you drive to Conference, Holland is located right off Interstate 196. From 1-94 in southern Michigan, near Benton

Harbor, take 1-196jUS 31 north. Continue to Holland, going on US 31 when it splits from 1-196 just south of Holland, past the Business I-196jBusiness US 31 exits, to 16th St. Turn west one mile to College Street, and then hIm north six blocks to the Hope College campus.

Planes, trains, and buses Those arriving by air should make flight reservations to Kent County Airport in Grand Rapids where the Host Com­

mittee will pick you up and provide transport to Holland. Please be sure to list arrival and departure information on your registration form. Bus and AMTRAK service is available right to Holland, and again the Host Committee will see you to the campus.

V'all come! Make every effort to come to Conference; you'll be glad you did! For the children to the teens to the seniors and all

in between, President Norma Rudert and the Host Committee are planning a very special time of fellowship, learning, and worship of our Holy God.

See you soon!

Judy Parrish, Publicity Chair Home: (616) 965-9085; Work: (616) 345-0053

HOPE COllEGE BIOLOGY FIElD

STATroH

+ SOUTH TO

SAUGATUCk & CHICAGO /'

July-Aug. 1999/ 21

___________ ~News

SOBs in the market

The Foothill Community Church (SDB) of Montrose, Calif., has done some other outreach besides their punk rock concerts (see June SR).

Via the SDB pastors' network, Pastor Scott Hausrath logged this praise report about the Family Fest­ival in Montrose:

"It's a farmers' market/community fair which occurs weekly in the main shopping district of town. We finally got the opportunity to host a church table there on April 29. The commu­nity received us very well; maybe only three or four negative reactions.

"We gave away about 275 helium balloons with 'John 3:16' printed on them, and also gospel coloring books for the kids. We were able to make contacts with a few community mem­bers, giving out salvation tracts and SDB literature. Some were interested in where our congregation meets.

"It was a fun time for us, and we're planning to do it again."

Let's encourage the Foothill church through our prayers. *

Mr. Butler, I read The Sabbath Recorder fervently,

word by word. I want to be assured that I'm being led by God's will and not by my own desire. Like a spiritual vacuum, I inhale and savor it. Then, taking no chance on missing something, Ire-read it.

I cried great volumes of spiritual tears as I read the article edited by you on page 5 of the May issue. I cried even more when I read it for the sec­ond, third, and fourth time. That's why I felt convicted to write you.

It was nearly 11 decades ago that Rev. Madison Harry asked a question so

22 /TheSR

Portland camps out

Weather permitting, the Portland (Ore.) Area SDB Church was ex­pected to hold a camp outing over the July Fourth weekend, with a worship service and potluck dinner at the camp. This is an annual event-tak­ing place for the past seven years­which everyone looks forward to.

This year's outing was at Hoover Campgrounds at Detroit Lake, just east of Salem, Ore. Pastor Jerry Vaught's clan and one other family usually stay for a couple extra days.

According to Pastor Vaught, the weekend is a time of fishing, swim­ming, boating, hiking, exploring, and just plain relaxing.

"As with our SDB Conferences, we have more people join us for Sabbath than we do for the actual camping," he explained.

"Mostly it is a time where the church family can have fun and fel­lowship in a camp setting, and all of the kids love it," Pastor Jerry pointed out. "The adults do, too," he added, "but the kids are more expressive about it!" ~

SR Reaction

similar to the one I find myself asking today. His question was, "Why so few Sabbatarians?" Mine is, "Where are the witnessing Sabbatarians?"

SDBs aren't the only ones with "wit­nessing and contact" programs that are found lacking. It seems as though many denominations witness more to "the saved" than to "the unsaved." They ex­tend welcomes to those who are already "in" rather than to those who stand "just outside the door."

Kansas has one SDB church building. It's located in the northeast area of the state and has been there many years. I would think that after all this time,

Conference Youth activities planned

Hello, I'm Miranda Mackey, the Youth Secretary for the 1999 General Conference. I'm from the Battle Creek, Mich., Seventh Day Baptist Church.

The Youth Committee has planned many fun activities for Conference. Some of these things include a movie, which will cost $3 per person; a trip to Craig's Cruisers, which will cost $6 per person; and a bowling trip, which will also cost $6 per person. An­other possible activity is a trip to Lake Michigan.

Our Youth Group has been having fund raisers monthly and would appreciate it if other groups would join us in the efforts. If each group could raise at least $100, we know that everyone could participate in these activi­ties.

there surely are more than enough Sabbatarian Baptists to add another one! If it were to be more centrally lo­cated-and if an aggressive witnessing program were to be instituted-then perhaps in another decade someone else won't be asking the same questions Rev. Harry and I did.

My husband is retired and not in the best of health. But he and I would be willing to help as God wills and do the best to our abilities, remembering that with God, all things are possible.

Sincerely, in Christ's Love, Kay Battle

Sedgwick, KS

L.profile .e ~

l.

Name: Rev. Michael 1. Burns

Birthdate and place: February 11, 1950 Easton, Md.

Current pastorate: Albion, Wis., Seventh Day Baptist Church

Family: Wife, Jill; son, Desmond, 10; daughter, Sara, 9.

Education: Vocational High School-Electronics. Technical School-Radar, Communications, Com­

puters. T.I.M.E. (Training in Ministry by Extension) program.

Former pastorates/employment: Pastor, Washington, D.C. Seventh Day Baptist Church. Pastor, First SDB Church of Hebron, Coudersport, Pa. Also served American Baptist congregations in Empo-

rium and Port Allegany, Pa., and the Seventh Day Com­munity Church of Sweden Hill near Coudersport.

Through the years, I have owned and operated a Radio & TV Repair Shop; was an Associate Engineer at NASA installations in Wallops Island, Va., and Greenbelt, Md.; worked as a Field Engineer at the New Cumberland Army Depot in New Cumberland, Pa.; and as a computer opera­tor, programmer, and consultant.

My first job was: Oystering and dredging clams on the Chesapeake Bay.

Personal hero: Dr. Desmond Ford

Favorite Bible passage: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Favorite author: Dr. Desmond Ford and Charles Spurgeon

Most people don't know (about me): If I revealed that, it would no longer be unknown.

When I have time, I enjoy: Pitching horseshoes, reading about and visiting battle­

field sites of the War of Northern Aggression (The War Between the States or as known among "Bluebellies," the Civil War).

A great answer to prayer was: The healing of our daughter, Sara, after a seizure and

near death at the age of 3.

A church project I'm excited about: Outreach to the kids of Albion.

My vision for SDBs: To see our people become more evangelistic.

This page sponsored by a faithful couple in Albuquerque, N.M.- July-Aug.1999/ 23

Houston, TX Miami,FL Ewart Rose Asheville, NC Donald FoJ.~ pastor Joined after baptism

Joined after testimony Mary Lou Broadway Linda Ziganay

Andrew Samuels, pastor Joined after baptism

Ava White Kinly Wilson Leonie Wilson Theonathan Wilson

Christine Taylor Laura Taylor

PaIatka,FL

Cortney Charlery Richard Davis Cassandra Murphy Tsafiq Samuels Loretta Sweeney Pamela Wilson

Da:)1ona Beach, FL John Camenga, pastor Joined by testimony

Jack Morgan, pastor Joined after baptism

Milton, WI George Calhoun, pastor Joined after baptism

Elton David Margaret David Marie Ward

Steven Sykes Gurney Webster Joined after testimony

Noel Currey Rick Mullen

Marcia Livingston Shiloh,NJ

Vicente - Dixon.-AndrewVicente and Danielle Dixon were married on April 10, 1999, in the Shiloh, N.J, Seventh Day Baptist Church, with the Rev. Don Chroniger offi­ciating.

Hampton - Johnson.-Charles Hampton and Glenda Johnson were united in marriage on May

27, 1999, in Florence, Ala. The Rev. John Bevis of the Paint Rock, AL, SDB Church officiated.

Tank - Smalley.-Paul Tank and Debbie J. Smalley were unit­ed in marriage on May 28, 1999, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Merrimac, WI, with Pastor Dale Smalley officiating.

Current Giving 1999 400.000

350.000

300,000

250.000

200,000

150,000

100,000

so,ooo

99 F

Current Giving Budget for 1999

M A M

~ Current Giving for Year - $18,420.64

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24 /The SR -This page sponsored by Granton and Virginia Jewett

N o

Don Chronige,~ pastor Joined after testimony

Andrew Vicente

Meyer.-A daughter, Rachel Eliza­beth Meyer, was born to Jason and Shari (Smalley) Meyer of Portage, WI, on January 5, 1999.

AuIita.-A daughter, Rebekah An­gelina Aulita, was born to Mark and Debbie Aulita of East Berne, NY, on March 22, 1999.

Murphy.-A daughter, Mary Jennie Murphy, was born to Buddy and Audrey Murphy of Ashaway, RI, on March 30, 1999.

McKay.-A son, John Delmar McKay, was born to Brian and Kim (Ellis) McKay of Moriah, NY, on April 7, 1999.

Nadeau.-Twin sons, Adam Chris­topher Nadeau and Patrick James Nadeau, were born to Donald and Cindy (Hays) Nadeau of Pawca­tuck, CT, on May 3, 1999.

Coffin.-A daughter, Emily Rose Coffin, was born to Matthew and J ordyn Coffin of Colorado Springs, CO, on May 24, 1999.

EY'

Fitz Randolph.-Sandford Fitz Randolph, 85, of Bridgeport, W.Va., died on February 24, 1999, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Mor­gantown, W.Va. He was born in Salem, W.Va.,

on AprilS, 1913, the son of Norma Randolph. On December 26, 1935, he married Virginia Thompson.

Sandford earned B.A. and B.S. de­grees from Salem College, where he later served on the Board of Trustees for over 27 years. Following college, he worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Treasury. He also sold group health insurance, owning the Randolph Insurance Agency in Clarksburg, W.Va., from 1939-1953.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy. Afterwards, he worked as a part-time service officer for American Legion Post No. 13 in Clarksburg. With National Homes Corporation, he sold and supervised the construction of many homes in central West Virginia.

In 1953, Mr. Randolph began a career with the cable TV industry as General Manager of the Clarksburg cable and was a founding member of the Pioneer Cable TV Association. He was hailed as a "cable TV pioneer" and was active in many business and civic organizations, including the March of Dimes and United Way.

Sandford had been a member of the Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church since his baptism there in 1926. His several offices included trustee of the church and of the Randolph Terrace Apartment com­plex. He also attended the Bridge­port United Methodist Church.

In addition to his wife, Virginia, survivors include one daughter, Karen Randolph Aman of Drums, Pa., and five granddaughters. He was preceded in death by one son, Sandford Fitz Randolph II, and one daughter, Virginia R. Grottendieck.

A funeral service was held on Feb­ruary 27, 1999, with the Rev. Dale

Thorngate officiating. Burial was in Bridgeport Cemetery.

Gore.-Clare Edith Gore, 64, of Bedford Township, Mich., died on April 25, 1999, in The Laurels of Bedford. She was born on May 1, 1934,

in Lexington, Ky., the daughter of James Clarence and Mona (Masters) White. She attended school in Ken­tucky.

Clare was employed as a nurse's aide by the American Legion Hospi­tal, Augusta, Mich., and then by Providial House (now Tendercare Nursing Home) for 17 years. She had been a member of the Battle Creek, Mich., SDB Church since 1958.

Her first marriage, to James Maxson, ended in divorce. She then married Lawrence Gore on August 14, 1965. He survives.

Also surviving are one son, Gor­don Maxson, of Denver, Colo., and one brother, James C. ("JC") White of New Vienna, Ohio. She was pre­ceded in death by her parents and one sister.

Services were held on April 28, 1999, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Battle Creek.

Piccolo.-Edna Margaret (Coon) Piccolo, 88, of Westerly, R.I., died on April 30, 1999, at the Westerly Nursing Home. She was born on Chase Hill in

Ashaway, R.I., on January 2,1911, and was the daughter of Robert Lee and Mabel (Ellis) Coon. She was the widow of Achille V. Piccolo.

Mrs. Piccolo graduated from Emerson College in Boston, Mass., with a bachelor's degree in literary interpretation. She continued her education at the University of Rhode Island, the University of Connecticut, and Rhode Island College while teaching in local schools. She retired from teaching in the Connecticut school system in 1979.

She was a member of the First Hopkinton Seventh Day Baptist Church in Ashaway, where she had been a member for 77 years.

Survivors include one son, Achille A. Piccolo of New Hampshire, and one grandson.

Services were held on May 5, 1999, at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home in Westerly. D. Scott Smith, pastor of the First Hopkinton SDB Church, officiated.

Butler.-Mary Alice Butler, 73. died on May 12, 1998, at Hunts­ville (Ala.) Hospital. She was born on July 18, 1925, the

daughter of Robert L. and Almira (Bottoms) Butler. She graduated from New Hope High School and re­ceived her B.S. degree from Alfred (N.Y.) University.

At age 12, she publicly professed her faith in Christ and was baptized. Some years later, she found a deeper spiritual experience and was rebap­tized. She was self-sacrificing and dedicated to what she felt was God's will for her life, and held strongly to what she believed to the end.

Mary's first job was as secretary at the Seventh Day Baptist headquar­ters in Plainfield, N.J. She later served in secretarial positions and taught at various levels in Alabama, California, Tennessee, and Georgia. She returned to Scottsboro, Ala., for retirement.

Survivors include three sisters, Nancilu Burdick Rankin of Orchard Park, N.Y., Ruth Potts ofl<1orence, Ala., and Bettie Pearson of Aragon, Ga.; two brotlters, Gilbert of Guin, Ala., and Dan of Woodville, Ala.; and 10 nieces and 10 nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, James E. and Robert L. Jr.

Funeral services were held at the Paint Rock, Ala., SDB Church, offici­ated by Pastors Luis Lovelace, John Bevis, and Dennis Salley. Burial was in Bethel Cemetery, New Hope, Ala.

July-Aug. 1999/ 25

Can the dead witness, cont . ./rompage11

and Board to send a missionary to them. They pledged $176 toward a missionary supply and also voted to ask L.A. Davis to accept the appoint­ment of the Board as their mission­ary. This kept up the congregation's spirit and apparently uplifted the church.

In April of 1861, L.A. Davis head­ed to minois. It seemed wise to cho­ose a successor, so on December 29, 1861, Davis resigned, and they in­stalled Elder Charles A. Burdick.

I counted 16 or more pastors un­til 1946, the year when Seventh Day Baptists "ceased to be" in Welton.

When the Delmar, Iowa, newspa­per reported that the Welton church was for sale, Perley Hurley asked the Missionary Board to temporarily se­cure the buildings so that they could try to build up the church again.

At the 1944 Conference in Al­fred, N.Y., the subject ofthe Wel­ton church came up, and the SDB

Women's Society started a "helpers' fund." Individuals and otller women societies were urged to contribute.

Two lay workers, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Burns of Berlin, N.Y., heed­ed the call and arrived on the Iowa mission field on November 14, 1944. They visited the scattered members and held a Sabbath School made up of some non-Sabbathkeeping chil­dren. Even though there were weekly services, they held a Sunday evening service as well.

Apparently, most of the Welton church members moved out of the area for employment reasons, so money was a vital issue. It's unclear whether the members who were left failed to support the Burns' ef­forts to revive the church. In any event, the couple returned to Berlin in the fall of 1945, and the Welton church officially closed in 1946. For some unknown reason, the seeds planted by the Welton SDB Church

Three attend Institute by Leanne Lippincott

Two Seventh Day Baptist pastors and one seminary student attended Summer Institute at the SDB Cen­ter in Janesville, Wis. The course on Sabbath Theology was held from May 31 to June 16 and was taught by Rev. Rodney Henry, Director of Pastoral Services and Dean ofthe Council on Ministry.

didn't continue to grow. I felt led to write this story to

show that even though these early pioneers can no longer communi­cate with us, they left us a legacy to strengthen our own faith. And for that, all of us should be grateful. Their works followed them, and the trail they left of the Bible Sabbath will continue to affirm our faith. *

[Editor's note: Historian Don Sanford adds that Perley Hurley was born in Welton and served two years as president if General Con­ference. Hurley's son K. Duane was editor of The Sabbath Recorder, president and Executive SecretGlY of General Conference, and presi­dent o/Salem College. Five native sons of Welton became prominent Seventh Day Baptist ministers: T.J. Van Horn, Edgar Van Horn, James H. Hurley, EliLoojboro, and Charles S.Sayre.}

The course included 38 hours oflecture and discussion time, with required reading assignments and a major paper.

"That paper is an articulation of the student's personal Sabbath theol­ogy," Henry explained.

Canada, where he's working on a Master of Divinity degree. He works three days a week as a vocational counselor for the British Columbia Paraplegic Asso­ciation (he has a Masters in Voca­tional Rehabili­tation from San Diego State) and

Tom Mitchell, L.B. Lee, and Matt Berg.

This year's Institute attendees were Matt Berg, L.B. Lee, and Tom Mitchell.

Berg is a member of the Riverside SDB Church. Currently, he's a bi­vocational student at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia,

26 /TheSR

spends the other two days at semi-nary.

Tom Mitchell pastors the Cen­tralia (Wash.) SDB Church and lives in Vancouver, Wash., with his wife, Bonnie. This fall, he plans to re­enroll in Multnomah Bible College in Portland, Ore., where he'll be ajun­ior. Upon graduation, he'll have B.S.

degrees in Bible and Pastoral Studies. The third Institute attendee, L.B.

Lee, pastors the SDB Church in Colo­rado Springs, where he lives with his wife, Angela. They have three daugh­ters: Kristen, 10; Lauren, 8; and Brit­tany, 4. He has completed the New Worker Orientation program and is currently in the T.I.M.E. program. *

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ri~

KEVIN o R N E R

, s Timing

Five years ago, a dear friend of this minis­try offered to help pay my way to the Baptist World Congress gathering in Brazil. He felt that I would gain much by the experience and was willing to support that idea mon­etarily.

Timing. The World Congress meets every five years, so the meeting dates are set far in advance. Our week of General Conference coincided with part ofthe World Congress, so I needed to decline the generous offer. (Seems that some folks expect me to attend Conference for some reason, bless their hearts.) My friend still sent a large gift so

I could attend that year's Associated Church Press con­vention.

Well, those five years rolled by quickly, and Baptist delegates from around the world plan to meet in Mel­bourne, Australia, this coming January.

Timing. I wondered if my friend had seen the meet­ing announcements and would be willing to help me get Down Under to represent SDBs. (Seems that our Confer­ence will notbe held in January next year ... )

After several weeks of pondering and praying, I mus­tered up the courage to give him a call. He was not in his office. I stumbled through a voice-mail message and got on wim the day's work.

Later that morning, a phone call quizzed me on how much the airfare was to Australia. It was my generous benefactor.

I told him the current cost (much more than his offer of five years ago), and without missing a beat, this won­derful man said, "The check will be in the mail."

I nearly fell off my chair!! While blathering out my litany of "thank yous," he interrupted by asking, "What about your wife?"

What about my wife??I thought, WeI" she's beautzJUI and I love her very muck ..

"If she is willing to go," he said, "I will pay her airfare as well."

Silence. Do you ever have those dreams where you can't speak

or move your body? My friend added that he would be out of town (Paris!)

for awhile and I could tell him of her decision the follow­ingweek.

Timing. Being a loving and conscientious mostly­at-home mother, getting Janet to go on even a state­side trip with me can be like pulling teeth. Add an extra dozen-plus hours in the air, soaring over a billion-plus gallons of ocean, and my vision of her accompanying me appeared fuzzy.

Yet, when I presented the offer, she was immediately interested! After hearing friends and our own chil­dren encouraging her, she said "yes"! We now hold two tickets to Melbourne.

Timing. Was it God's will for me to go to Brazil? Probably not. Since then, I have had five more years of ministry experience, been in close contact with national church leaders through the Baptist Joint Com­mittee, and our youngest has doubled in age.

Is it God's will for us to go to Aus­tralia? Sure looks like it. Especially since receiving a letter from our friend where he thanked me for giv­ing him the opportunity to support us, and credited the loving SDB church in Verona, N.Y., for teaching him the impor­tance of sharing.

When is God good? ALL the TIME.

Oh,and ... G'day, mate!

This page sponsored by a faithful couple in the Columbus, Ohio, church- July-Aug. 1999/ 27

Why is Sabbath keeping a significant principle for believers?

What does it mean to

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True to the Sabbath, True to Our Godby Rev. Larry Graffius, is a fresh, relevant Bible Study of God's command to "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." You will discover new meaning and practical application of this often overlooked principle of Christian living.

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